Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 2

Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

114 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the information the Government has sought or received from the British Government regarding a number of raids carried out by the PSNI on 3 October 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17972/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Taoiseach and Prime Minister Blair, during their meeting in Downing Street on 9 October, at which I was also present, spoke about the PSNI raids in north and west Belfast and at Stormont on Friday, 4 October. The Taoiseach subsequently reported on this meeting to the Dáil. I have discussed the matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions, and the issue has also been raised on a number of occasions through the framework of the British Irish InterGovernmental Conference.

At the time, the Government expressed concern about the searches at Stormont: not the fact that searches took place, but the manner in which they were carried out. The televisual images of a large dispatch of armed police entering Stormont caused considerable concern within the Nationalist community. This was recognised by the new chief constable of the police service. As the Taoiseach told the Dáil on 22 October, "we were glad to see the change of attitude, which would not have happened in the past, when Chief Constable Orde made an apology for the way the raid was carried out". At the time, we also stressed that it was important there be no rush to judgment. The matter is now before the courts in Northern Ireland, and the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter.

Question No. 115 answered with Question No. 91.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 81.